Membrane — Mem brane, n. [F., fr. L. membrana the skin that covers the separate members of the body, fr. L. membrum. See {Member}.] (Anat.) A thin layer or fold of tissue, usually supported by a fibrous network, serving to cover or line some part or organ,… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

membrane — (n.) early 15c., thin layer of skin or tissue, a term in anatomy, from L. membrana a skin, membrane; parchment (skin prepared for writing), from membrum limb, member of the body (see MEMBER (Cf. member)). The etymological sense is that which… … Etymology dictionary

membrane — [mem′brān΄] n. [L membrana, membrane, fine skin, parchment &LT; membrum,MEMBER] 1. a thin, soft, pliable sheet or layer, especially of animal or vegetable tissue, serving as a covering or lining, as for an organ or cell 2. any thin, flexible… … English World dictionary